7 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (1 Sep)

5. Roughouse Powerhouse

Powerhouse Hobbs Brian Cage
AEW

"Beef" was the keyword as Powerhouse Hobbs faced Brian Cage - in both senses. The two are feuding as part of Team Taz's wider rivalry with the former FTW World Champion and yes, they are both gigantic human beings. This meant their bout was a pec-slapping good time worked at a different pace to everything else on the card.

This was a game of contrasts. Hobbs is capable of spectacular offense, regularly throwing opponents around like empty tracksuits, but played a slower game here. The Powerhouse wore Cage down to prevent him from utilising his sprightlier, more athletic moveset. This negated Brian's agility and speed advantages and made for a more compelling story. Styles make fights, and this worked as a clash.

Town Business put Cage away for Hobbs after interference from Hook and Ricky Starks, who smacked Brian with the belt while Rick Knox was distracted. Irritating, given AEW's recent over-reliance on such finishes, but it at least fits the story as a near-direct repeated of how Team Taz screwed Cage out of the group in the first place.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.